Inspirations for Chapter Three

Hello!



First of all, as always, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has taken time from their busy days to read Rage in Hell.

As promised, following each chapter, I like to give insight into my thinking process and how a certain chapter turned out the way it did.

For chapter three, I wanted to start showing the rift that would emerge between Vylette and Steven once Michael started to move in on her.

For me, I wanted Vylette to start the chapter stuck between a rock and a hard place when it came to Steven Wilkes. By all accounts, he was a good catch for any Parish girl--his family had money a good name and a functioning business in the hardware store. But its obvious Vylette is not in love with him, not really. And frankly the last three years she’s been “with” him was to please her folks--just as Lorraine is loosely tolerating Ulrich.

Vylette is slowly turning towards Michael Jackson, because, very politely, Michael starting to woo Vylette.

Early in the chapter he’s left candy for Vylette and her cousin with a handwritten note. The same candy and note prompts a flare-up of Steven’s bruised ego and he does abuse Vylette.

I wanted to touch on the issue of domestic violence because now in 2014, there’s all sorts of laws to protect women and save them, and in 1931, it was basically “Don’t make the man angry.” Which basically says it’s the lady’s fault she has a busted nose or blackened eye.

And it’s the fear of this lifestyle, that though Steven apologizes wildly and proclaims love for her, Vylette is deaf about it. And really, Michael is looking better and better to her.

She went so far as to avoid him for two days, and busied herself reading about Joan Crawford’s salad habits. (That was based on a REAL article from a vintage Photoplay magazine I read about Joan. Nobody ask what article, because I have over 100 vintage Photoplays[1919-1934] on a USB I read for fun. LOL. )



(Joan on the cover of Photoplay, October, 1931.)



On the same note, fast Lorraine is attracted to Marlon over the shy, waffling Ulrich, who does genuinely appear to love her.

My inspiration for fashion and places, I really drew on the television show The Waltons. Rainelle Parish is something like Walton’s mountain, hearty, modest, God-fearing folks. No one trying to stick out or be worldly. That’s why even though Vylette and Lorraine are the girls of a doctor, they are always dressed in old garments stretching a buck to set an example.

Mr. Walton owned a lumber business, but his family doesn't exactly scream mogul.

Michael Jackson appeared in person, at the very end of the chapter at the five-and-dime. (Which I copied from Ike and Cora-Beth Godsey’s store on The Waltons.)


Michael is money and he looked it by comparison to Vylette in his pinstriped suit--I stole the suit from Smooth Criminal, it’s the one he wears BEFORE entering Club 30s.


Also, there is this very strict, outmoded rule in Parish society where boys don’t touch girls until they’re practically engaged, and I wanted the Jackson to always touch Vylette and Lorraine in some fashion. Patting hands arm and backs, or like Michael did, touching Vylette’s ponytail.

Subtle, cute motions indicating his interest and attraction. Because its Michael, I try to think of sweet little stunts he’d likely pull. But I can’t give everything away.

That’s what chapter four is for!!!

More is coming and I guarantee a day at the Jackson estate will be something for the record books! More is on the way!!!!